It has recently come to light that the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Gomati has been decommissioned from its position at the naval dockyard situated in Mumbai. This event holds a significant importance because INS Gomati held the title of being the oldest guided-missile frigate within the Western Fleet when it was eventually decommissioned.
About INS Gomati
The name ‘Gomati’ is derived from the vibrant river Gomti, also known as Gumti, that serves as a tributary of the Ganga River. Commissioned back in 1988 at Mazagon Dock Ltd in Bombay, this ship played a pivotal role in the Indian Armed Forces over the years before being decommissioned.
Noteworthy Participations of INS Gomati
Throughout its functional lifetime, INS Gomati has had the honor of taking part in several operations and exercises, both on a bilateral and multinational level. These operations have ranged from Operation Cactus executed in 1988, Operation Parakram launched in 2001 and lastly, the Rainbow operation initiated in 2004.
In 1988, during Operation Cactus, the Indian Armed Forces, with INS Gomati at the forefront, assisted the government of Maldives in neutralizing a coup attempt. This operation marks one of the early milestones in the operational journey of the ship.
Moving forward to 2001, INS Gomati participated in Operation Parakram which was launched following a terrorist attack on the Parliament. This operation is notorious for being the first full-scale mobilisation carried out since the Indo-Pak war in 1971.
Finally, in 2004, the ship took part in an initiative named Rainbow. This initiative was launched with the vision of assisting those who were affected by the Tsunami. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the government of Sri Lanka.
Awards and Accolades acquired by INS Gomati
In recognition of its remarkable services, INS Gomati was awarded the prestigious Unit Citation twice. The first time this honor was bestowed upon the ship was in 2007-08, followed by the second time in 2019-20. These awards speak volumes about the significant role played by INS Gomati in strengthening the operations of the Indian Armed Forces.
Decommissioning of INS Gomati
The journey of INS Gomati spanning over multiple decades came to an end when it was decommissioned from the naval dockyard in Mumbai. Despite its retirement, the legacy of INS Gomati continues to live on, marking a memorable chapter in the history of the Indian Navy.
Thus, the significance of INS Gomati extends beyond being just a naval ship, but a symbol of dedication, courage, and unyielding service towards the nation. Its contribution will always be remembered and appreciated.
Source: PIB